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Restaurant Employee Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Restaurant Employee information

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How much do restaurant employee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant employee in Iowa is $14.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant employee?

Restaurant employees are individuals who work in various roles within a dining establishment to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Their positions can include servers, cooks, hosts, bussers, dishwashers, and managers, each with specific duties related to food preparation, service, or management. Restaurant employees are essential for providing quality food and service, maintaining cleanliness, and creating a welcoming environment for guests. The work can be fast-paced and requires teamwork, good communication skills, and a focus on customer service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant employee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restaurant Employee, you need a solid understanding of food safety, customer service, and basic food preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and sometimes food handler certifications are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and a smooth restaurant operation.

What are some common challenges restaurant employees face during busy shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Restaurant employees often encounter high-pressure situations during peak hours, such as handling multiple tables simultaneously or managing special requests. Staying organized, communicating clearly with both the kitchen and fellow staff, and prioritizing tasks are essential for success. Many restaurants provide training on teamwork and time management, which can help employees stay calm and deliver excellent service even when the restaurant is full. Being proactive and maintaining a positive attitude can also make a significant difference during busy periods.

What is the difference between Restaurant Employee vs Server?

AspectRestaurant EmployeeServer
CredentialsNone required, on-the-job trainingNone required, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentKitchen, front of house, or support rolesFront of house, customer-facing
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, fast food outletsRestaurants, fine dining, casual dining
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Restaurant employees encompass a variety of roles including cooks, dishwashers, and bussers, often with minimal credentials. Servers specifically focus on customer service, taking orders, and delivering food. While both work in restaurant settings, servers are primarily front-of-house staff dedicated to guest interaction, whereas restaurant employees may work in different areas supporting overall operations.

Restaurant Employee jobs near you

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery

Clear Lake, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

BE A PART OF OUR SUCCESS!
Benefits & Perks:
  • Educational Assistance with DeVry University with complimentary laptop**
  • Immediate Family Members are also eligible
  • Competitive Pay with Service Award Incentive
  • Get paid daily through Daily Pay!
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, and more!***
  • 401(k) retirement savings with company match
  • Flexible Schedule
  • All you can eat pancakes + meal discounts!
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Development Pathway: Step by step process to grow your career
  • 3 College Credits hours for completing manager training****

Founded in 1958, Perkins® operates 324 restaurants in 32 states and four Canadian provinces. The Perkins system includes 81 company-owned and operated restaurants and 234 franchised units. Throughout its history, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has remained true to its mission of providing guests with personalized service and delicious, homestyle food at a great value.
Perkins has experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place!
Position Description
As an Assistant Restaurant Manager, you will be responsible for assisting the General Manager in restaurant operations and in achieving planned sales and profit levels for the restaurant through the implementation, management, and enforcement of company policies, procedures, programs, and performance standards. In addition, you will provide direction for restaurant staff to ensure maximum guest satisfaction, execution of all employee duties to guarantee maximum guest satisfaction and a quality work environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Assists the General Manager in planning and analyzing administration and operations manpower.
  • Responsible for achieving plan profit levels while ensuring maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Accountable for proper handling of cash, credit card information, gift cards and all things related to the payment of guest checks.
  • Assists in the planning and analysis of restaurant unit manpower, ensuring sufficient development and training of all employees, including subordinate managers.
  • Assists General Manager in all aspects of employment and restaurant staffing including recruitment (interviewing and selecting), training, and conducting new hire orientation.
  • Attends University of Perkins and successfully completes all coursework.
  • Achieves and maintains ServSafe certification.
  • Performs and is able to assist in all functions for all positions in the restaurant.
  • Ensures that all menu items are prepared, portioned, and presented properly in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner according to all established procedures, performance standards, and specifications.
  • Ensures managers and all team members are monitoring and overseeing food temperatures during hot and cold handling to reduce the incidence of risk factors known to cause food-borne illness.
  • Ensures restaurant compliance to productivity and service standards by scheduling and staffing a sufficient number of well-trained and productive employees.
  • Ensures proper management of the facility and equipment through preventive maintenance, energy conservation, repairs, security measures, and adherence to safety and sanitation requirements.
  • Ensures inventory levels for both food and non-food items are properly maintained in accordance with company guidelines through correct ordering procedures and efficiency usage and yield application.
  • Anticipates, identifies and corrects system breakdowns to achieve guest satisfaction.
  • Accountable for accurate financial data to include: payroll, cash and receipts, productivity food costs, security of funds, and operating expenses; prepares and reviews financial reports.
  • Attends scheduled restaurant and region team meetings; makes presentations to peers and management as requested.

Qualifications:
  • One to two years previous experience in a supervisory role; preferably in the food service industry
  • High school diploma; some college or degree preferred
  • Must be able to effectively communicate with employees, guests and vendors in person and by telephone
  • Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously

Physical Requirements / Environment / Work Conditions:
  • Extensive standing without breaks; operating a cash register
  • Exposure to heat, steam, smoke, cold and odors
  • Bending, reaching, walking
  • Must be able to reach heights of approximately 6 feet and depths of 2.5 to 3 feet
  • Must have high level of mobility/flexibility in space provided
  • Must be able to fit through openings 30" wide
  • Must be able to work irregular hours under heavy pressure/stress during busy times
  • Must be able to carry trays of food products weighing 20 pounds for distances up to 30 feet
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

Disclaimer
This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the employee may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Founded in 1958, Perkins® operates 277 restaurants in 32 states and two Canadian provinces. The Perkins system includes 81 company-owned and operated restaurants and 196 franchised units. With its diverse, moderately priced menu featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bakery offerings, and its attractive and recently remodeled restaurants designed to facilitate efficiency and guest satisfaction, Perkins American Food Co. is a dining favorite with a solid and respected reputation in the marketplace.
The longevity and success of Perkins American Food Co. is largely attributed to the concept's ability to adapt to shifts in consumer dining trends and evolving taste preferences while delivering that homestyle goodness that guests crave. At Perkins, we're always updating our menu with fresh, flavorful and innovative items that take their place right alongside Perkins' iconic guest favorites, some of which have been on our menu for more than 30 years. We also take great pride in differentiating ourselves with the service and experience we provide. This has and continues to be a hallmark of our brand.
BE A PART OF OUR SUCCESS
Perkins has experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place!

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